Paul Kevin Curtis addresses the media after charges were dropped Tuesday afternoon.
BY HAWLEY MARTIN
thedmnews@gmail.com
Charges filed against Paul Kevin Curtis, the Mississippian accused of sending ricin-laced letters to President Barack Obama and other government officials, were dropped Tuesday.
Authorities are currently pursuing another suspect in regards to the case.
Curtis was released from custody without prejudice, meaning he could be placed back into custody if the prosecution chooses to do so.
Curtis’ attorney Christi McCoy stated that the ongoing investigation “has revealed new information.”
In a press conference held Tuesday in front of the federal courthouse on the Square in Oxford, McCoy stated that federal agencies are in Tupelo investigating the home of Everett Dutshke for the crimes for which Curtis had been accused.
“The government was able to basically find another suspect who we believe is the true perpetrator of this heinous crime,” McCoy said.
Curtis addressed the charges that had been issued against him.
“I respect President Obama,” Curtis said. “I love my country and would never do anything to pose a threat to him or any other U.S. official.”
He went on to shower his defense attorney with praise and admiration.
“For the first time in 13 years I have had real representation from an attorney at law, and I’ll be honest, I haven’t had a lot of faith in attorneys,” Curtis said.
He gave thanks to Jesus, who he said, “has been and will always be my best friend, my bodyguard, my teacher, and my almighty judge.”
Curtis concluded his statement by saying that he “would like to get back to normal,” through being the best father he can be, supporting his favorite charity: Save a Life Foundation, and entertaining through music.
McCoy said that the federal authorities and agents displayed “nothing but professionalism throughout (the investigation)” and that Curtis was treated with respect.
“They went where the evidence led at the time, and then they realized that that was a dead end and then they went to where the true evidence was,” she said.
Paul Kevin Curtis wipes his eyes after speaking during a press conference Tuesday / Thomas Graning
